Iran's new President Hasan Rouhai has sent messages of support to both Hezbollah and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, it was reported today by official Iranian news agency IRNA.

The new President was quoted as saying that a close Iranian-Syrian relationship would be able to tackle "enemies in the region, especially the Zionist regime", meaning Israel. Syria would "overcome its current crisis", he added.

Writing to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, Mr Rouhai equally reaffirmed Iranian support for Hezbollah and the "steadfast nation" of Lebanon and the Palestinians.

Mr Rouhai's message to the Syrian President was in response to the latter's congratulations upon the Iranian leader's election back in June.